The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Issues Communique Following Archbishop's Visit to the Phanar

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Jul 13, 1999

The Office of the Chief Secretariat of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate issued the following communique upon the conclusion of His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon's visit to the Phanar.

ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE

Communique

During the last several days, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, presided over by His All Holiness The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, separately received, for the purpose of working together, His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon of America, representatives from the hierarchy in America, namely, Their eminences Metropolitan Ioakovos of Krini and Presiding Hierarch of the Diocese of Chicago, Metropolitan Anthony of the Dardanels and Presiding Hierarch of the Diocese of San Francisco, and Metropolitan Maximos of Ainos and Presiding Hierarch of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, as well as the Vice President of the Archdiocesan Council, Mr. John Catsimatidis.

During this cooperative effort the issues facing the Church and the Homogenia of America were thoroughly discussed. The Ecumenical Patriarchate shall definitively assess all that has been presented until now as well as all the stated viewpoints.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate, with deep sorrow and paternal love, takes this opportunity to repudiate all that has recently been published with regard to the alleged application of pressure and the supposed influence by powerful economic forces from the Homogenia of America upon the Ecumenical Patriarchate in its attempt to pacify the condition of the Church there. The criteria and motives of the Mother Church have always been loftier, unselfish, and clearly ecclesiastical, and its contribution has been sacrificial. Moreover, during its decision-making process and the realization of these decisions, it only looks for the true welfare of its children everywhere.